- An 11-year-old autistic boy went missing from a California supermarket and was found near a busy freeway. Deputies save him just in time.
- Off-duty dispatcher Shiloh Corbet spotted the boy and followed him to ensure his safety, aiding in the deputies’ save.
- The boy was safely reunited with his family, thanks to the efforts of deputies and Good Samaritans. This was a significant save by the deputies.
An 11-year-old non-verbal autistic boy disappeared from a grocery store in California while shopping with his family. The boy ran away without anyone noticing at first. His family quickly realized he was missing and alerted the authorities. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office responded right away. Deputies save lives every day, and this was one of those days.
Fast Action by Deputies and Helicopter
On March 9, the sheriff’s office received the report about the missing child. Deputies from the Santee Sheriff’s Station rushed to search for the boy. To speed up the search, an ASTREA helicopter joined the effort. The helicopter made public announcements, asking people to look out for the missing child. The search expanded quickly, and everyone was on alert.
Off-Duty Dispatcher Spots the Boy
Around 5:15 p.m., an off-duty sheriff’s dispatcher named Shiloh Corbet was driving home. While on the road, she saw the boy walking near a busy freeway. She immediately called the sheriff’s department to report the sighting. While talking on the phone, Corbet saw the boy running toward the freeway on-ramp. Without hesitation, she stopped her car and followed him.
Dangerous Situation on the Freeway
The boy walked onto the shoulder of the freeway. He crossed the westbound lanes and stood on the center divider. Corbet quickly shouted the boy’s name, telling him to stay put. She had been informed of his name by the communication center. Her actions likely saved his life as he was in a very dangerous spot.
Deputies Arrive, Boy Runs onto Freeway
As soon as deputies Cody Green and Michael Moser arrived, they saw the boy running toward the freeway. They tried to approach him, but the child moved away. Video footage showed him crouching near the ramp. He then made a sudden move, jumping over an embankment and running further onto the freeway. The situation became even more dangerous as the boy was now on the road.
The deputies acted fast. They quickly caught up with the boy and brought him to safety. The child was unharmed, and no one was injured during the rescue. The boy was then reunited with his relieved family. This quick response and teamwork helped save the boy’s life.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office thanked many people who played a role in finding the boy. They praised Dispatcher Shiloh Corbet, Deputies Cody Green and Michael Moser, and the ASTREA helicopter team for their efforts. Deputies save the day, alongside several Good Samaritans. All worked together to bring the boy to safety.
Autism Awareness and Safety Program
The sheriff’s office also shared information about Autism Awareness Month. April is the month to raise awareness about autism and support families. The sheriff’s department also highlighted their Take Me Home program. This program helps people with autism or other special needs who may wander off. Families can provide important information that helps the police find missing people quickly and safely.
Another Missing Autistic Boy in New York
Just over a week after this incident, another autistic boy went missing. Seven-year-old Ruwaid Karim, who is also non-verbal, disappeared while visiting New York City. He had been with his mother, Farjana Akond, at a restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens. Ruwaid walked out of the restaurant around 11:45 a.m. on April 18, and his mother immediately reported him missing.
Ruwaid has a strong interest in New York City landmarks. After leaving the restaurant, he started walking toward the Empire State Building. He traveled over 4 miles to get there. A Good Samaritan noticed him walking on E. 61st Street in Manhattan. She saw him getting too close to traffic and ran after him.
